It's natural, get over it! (Part 2: Menstrual Health Management)

Subsequent to my previous post about menstruation and sanitation in SSA, I have decided to dig deeper and explore the different ways the situation can be helped. This includes exploring the different types of menstrual products, and the implementation of programmes that increase awareness and education in hope of losing the widespread taboo. 

Menstrual Products 

Studies confirmed that the lack of access to menstrual products and private latrines was a major barrier for school attendance and engagement for young girls. Most girls resort to use cloths as absorbents which leak and ruin uniforms making girls feel ashamed and uncomfortable. 

The most commonly used menstrual products are disposable pads due to the convenience and level of accessibility. They are widely available, prevent leakage and are easy to use and dispose of in the low-quality latrines in the schools and across SSA villages generally. Though the supply of may not always be reliable and is not a long-term solution as they can run out, though charities are actively working to help this. 

Understandably environmental concerns are not at the forefront of these girls' minds when deciding what products to use, but disposable pads are unsustainable, and perhaps a reusable option should be promoted more. This could include menstrual cups or reusable pads, both of which have an eco-friendlier nature as washable pads can be manufactured locally using second-hand materials. However, issues rise regarding the facilities require to wash these pads, as they need to be able to wash and dry them, as well as doing so discretely to avoid 'offending' household members. 

A study in a Ugandan school found that provisions of products does and has helped reduce dropout rates (Montgomery et al. 2016), however there is still a lot of work yet to be done. 

Education 

The negative attitudes and stigma surrounding periods stem from insufficient knowledge and support from relevant government sectors, such as Health and Education (Ssewanyana et al. 2017). There is an urgent need for schools to integrate menstruation education within their syllabuses, to educate both boys and girls, create a safe space and to confront the negative stigma and ignorance towards menstruating girls and periods as a whole. 

Source: World Bank Blogs (2022) 'Menstrual Health and Hygiene: What roles can schools play?'

There have been some interventions in schools to introduce menstruation education, however they only focus on a few aspects. For example, in most cases they do not explore the 'menarche education' regarding the pre-pubescent stages of life, nor any common menstrual problems girls may go through and require support for. However, it is found that this is due to the students inability to confide in their teachers and in the same way the teachers feel uncomfortable teaching these topics (UNFPA 2018). The 'Girls not Brides' campaign call for the introduction of education to help change attitudes, specifically challenging the view of menstruation as a signal for marriage. 

Menstrual health management must not only focus on supplying resources, but also providing and implementing a comprehensive approach that is inclusive of local people of all genders and ages about policies and sanitation projects and about addressing menstruation in holistic and open-minded ways. The insurance of security, support, and safety to menstruating females should be at the forefront of these approaches towards tackling the taboo and the acceptance of periods as a natural process.